Volunteer in Brazil!

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Volunteer in Brazil

Would you like to travel affordably while gaining new perspective on your life? Have you always wanted to explore South America? Volunteering in Brazil is a perfect way to do this and more.

Brazil is an enchanting country that features rugged mountains, lush rainforest, bustling cities, and famous beaches. Visit Iguazu Falls on the border where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet, said to rival Niagara Falls in its majesty. Explore the Christ the Redeemer monument overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Or visit in time to experience Carnival, which takes place in the weeks before Easter.

Despite its beauty, Brazil is losing ground in its fight against poverty. Gentrification and increased living costs have led to growing homelessness in the cities. Black and brown Brazilians (Afro-Brasileiros) face discrimination left over from slavery, which ended only in the late 1800s. Lack of government spending on social programs, poor access to clean water and sanitation, extreme income inequality, and massive deforestation all contribute to impoverishment in Brazil.

Change your life as you experience rich cultural immersion and make an actual difference in the world.

Contact us today to start your volunteer work in Brazil and get ready for a grand adventure!

Volunteer in Brazil Programs

Global Crossroad offers variety of exceptional volunteering and special programs to meet your volunteering as well as travelling need. Please feel free to choose any program you love and contact us for more information

Dates and Prices

All volunteer programs in Brazil start every Monday of each month. However, if there is travel constrains, you can start any project on any day.

Price: Volunteer in Brazil

Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering programs in Brazil. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.

Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Brazil application and registration fee cost US $299.

In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.

Program fees cover:

Program fees exclude:

Visas

Airfare

Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods

Daily transportation

Airport return transfer

The volunteering overseas in Brazil program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually Monday) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses.

Accommodations and Meals: Volunteer in Brazil

During your volunteer work in Brazil, Global Crossroad's weekly fees include management of volunteers' accommodations throughout projects.

Volunteers will have the choice between two hostels – CabanaCopa situated within walking distance of Copacabana Beach, and Rio Hostel, in the heart of Santa Teresa, an artistic, historic neighborhood. Both the accommodation will have dorm-style rooms and are in safe and secure locations. Breakfast is included with the program fee for volunteers staying in both the locations. Volunteers will need to eat the rest of the meals in local restaurants. Meals in Rio are about 30-40% cheaper than New York City.

Free Time Options: Volunteer in Brazil

The volunteer opportunities in Brazil are based in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most exciting cities in Brazil. Whether you enjoy admiring breathtaking views, exploring historical landmarks, relaxing on stunning beaches, dining at exquisite restaurants, venturing out into the nightlife, or taking adventure tours, Rio de Janeiro has something for everyone.

Your accommodations will be close to the world famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and right next to Lapa, which is well known for its nightlife and creative vibe. You most definitely will experience, whether close up or from afar, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Maracana stadium. The annual Carnival is a popular festival and draws huge crowds into the city.

During any of the volunteering programs in Brazil, volunteers will have plenty of free time in the evenings and on the weekends. While Global Crossroad does not specifically arrange activities for volunteers participating in volunteer work in Brazil, the local staff can provide good suggestions, travel tips, and assist you in making suitable travel arrangements. During your chosen volunteer abroad in Brazil program, you will have the chance to immerse themselves in the diverse, rich, and colorful culture of Brazil. This experience will be educational, eye opening, exciting, and enriching. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, and for very good reasons.

Safety and Field Support

Our number #1 priority is the safety of our volunteers. Global Crossroad is a leading volunteer organization serving thousands of volunteers. We pride ourselves on providing the safest, highest quality, and most professional programs to our volunteers since 2003. Our dedicated team works closely from start to finish with each volunteer (and parents/guardians) to ensure a successful, satisfactory, and safe volunteering experience.

Below is a list of our safety and field support features that will demonstrate the level of support and safety each of you will receive while volunteering abroad.

1. Country Coordinator and Field Staff :

In each country, where we operate, we have a very strong and dedicated team of country coordinators and local staff members to support and take care of you. All of our country coordinators and field staff are highly experienced and responsible individuals. They have been running volunteer abroad program for many years. They have served thousands of volunteers, so they understand your needs and know how to run safe, rewarding, and meaningful volunteer abroad program for you.

Our In-country staff is responsible for a number of things. Below are some of the main services that they will provide:

2. Airport Greeting

We are dedicated to keeping you save and comfortable from your point of your arrival until your point of departure. We will always receive our volunteers at the airport and transfer them safely. Depending upon the country in which you choose to volunteer, our coordinator, local staff, or a professional transfer company employee will greet you at the airport.

3. Orientation and safety discussion

Regardless of where you join the Global Crossroad volunteer program, our program starts with an in depth discussion on safety, history, cultural people, religion, life, and do’s and don’ts. Depending upon the country, these orientation programs range from a few hours to three days. During orientation, we explain the different aspect of safety and general guidelines to help keep yourself safe while volunteering abroad.

4. Safe Host Family and Accommodation

While volunteering abroad, the majority of the time you will reside with a local host family, hostel, or similar accommodation. We always carefully select the host families and other forms of accommodations to make sure that you will be safe and comfortable. In all destinations, we have selected host families who are socially respected and responsible. Most of our host families have hosted international volunteers before, so they completely understand your needs. Your host family will always take care of you and keep you safe.

Similarly, all of our volunteer houses and hostels are located in very safe locations. These hostels are always guarded by security guards or supervised by the local staff very frequently to make sure that you are safe and secure. Also you will be staying with other volunteers from all over the world. You will never be alone.

5. Comprehensive Insurance and Evacuation Plan

While volunteering abroad, you will be covered by international insurance. This protects you in case something unforeseen happens. It is mandatory that all volunteers obtain a travel insurance policy when volunteering abroad. Global Crossroad offers one of the most comprehensive insurance packages from a third party. Our insurance policy provides excellent protection in the event that a health-related issue occurs, an accident, or other unpredictable incidences.

6. Placement with Other Volunteers

Global Crossroad is happy to place you with other volunteers (depending on availability) if this is something that would make you feel safer.

Any international travel requires caution and awareness; volunteering abroad is no exception. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before making the decision to participate in any overseas volunteering opportunities. International travel presents risks, especially with the modern day threat of international terrorism.

The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories in many countries for American travelers. These travel advisories and warnings frequently change, as situations in each country transform.

It is also wise to consult the Center for Disease Control for health related information and issues that might come up during your time volunteering abroad. Check out www.cdc.gov for possible health risks. One must also keep in mind that the sanitary conditions in developing countries are likely very different from those in your home country. It is also strongly advised that you do not drink the tap water and do not eat food from street vendors.

Most Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteer in Brazil

APPLICATION PROCESS/VISA

We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two to three months in advance.

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil, who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online (http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply ). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

VISA INFORMATION

Passport and visa are required for US citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose. Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of stay, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid. Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa. The US Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation.

It is the responsibility of all participants to research the entrance and exit requirements of their chosen destination by contacting the embassy or consulates office. In response to the introduction of the US VISIT program, on January 1, 2004 the Government of Brazil began fingerprinting/photographing all US citizens arriving in Brazil. Travelers are reminded that they are subject to local law, and that showing contempt to a government official is a serious offense in Brazil

Project schedules vary for each project in Brazil. Most volunteers participate in their respective/assigned projects from Monday to Friday, with work taking up 20-35 hours per week. Most volunteers have the weekends to themselves where they can see the local sights and explore Brazil on their own.

Volunteers should arrive in Brazil the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If arriving earlier to Brazil, you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

You will be picked up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Brazil, so that we may send it on to our Brazil representative. You will be picked up by a staff member or our In-Country Coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call the In-Country Coordinator, who can help with the pick-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's local representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver).

ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Brazilian In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

In most cases, you will have to cover all expenses incurred by earlier arrival, but Global Crossroad's Brazil In-Country Coordinator can usually provide assistance in booking hotel rooms and even domestic travel at a reasonable price.

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil or the staff at the family house will be more than happy to assist you with this.

LIVING ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Your accommodations will be arranged by our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil. You will stay in our volunteer house or a hostel. If you want to travel with a friend, we can arrange for both of you to stay at the same accommodation if you like.

While meals are not included in the program fee, Brazil is home to several distinctive cooking styles. The regional dishes include maize, pork, beans, and local soft ripened cheeses. Feijoada (a simmered bean and meat dish of Carioca origin), is popular especially as a Wednesday or Saturday luncheon. Brazilians also frequently enjoy arroz e feijão, or rice and beans. Traditionally, black beans are prepared in Rio, rajadinho or carioquinha (brown) beans in São Paulo, and either in Minas Gerais. Another typical food in São Paulo is the Virado à Paulista that consists of rice, tutu de feijão (beans with manioc flour), stewed cabbage and pork meat.

The cuisine of Brazil shows the influence of European and Middle Eastern immigrants. The majority of the present population arrived from Portugal, along with many from Italy, Japan, the Middle East, and other nations. Hence, it's possible to find a wide array of cuisines.

In Espírito Santo, there is significant Italian and German influence in local dishes both savory and sweet. The state dish, though, is of Amerindian origin, and is called Moqueca Capixaba (mainly fish and tomato). The cuisine of Minas Gerais is also strongly influential there, with many restaurants serving fare native to Minas Gerais. Farofa (a dish of toasted manioc flour with small amounts of flavoring ingredients that may include pork, onions, hardboiled eggs and different vegetables), polenta, couve (collard greens), Chouriço (a type of sausage that is less spicy than its cousin chorizo), tutu a mineira (smashed beans with manioc flour) and fried banana are examples of popular dishes from Minas Gerais.

In most places in Brazil, tap water is not safe to drink, but that's not always the case. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your own consumption. If you prefer, you can request that your host family boil water for you each.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Compared to many other countries, Brazil is considered a safe country for tourists. But petty crime has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. However, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching occur somewhat frequently (especially in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sight-seeing destinations, etc.). So, it is wise to be cautious with your personal possessions in public places. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public

Keep enough money for immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel

Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room

Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before going out for a stroll

Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in Brazil. As mentioned above, it is a foreigner-friendly country. However, traveling alone as a female, you should be aware of the following issues:

If you get a hotel room during your free time, request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window when you are sleeping in a hotel.

Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.

Dress like a local resident, or at least try to look inconspicuous in your dress and behavior.

Be cautious when meeting new people. Try not to easily tell them that you are traveling alone.

In case you run into trouble, contact your embassy or consulate or the local police immediately.

Basically, every country in the world has potential health concerns and Brazil is no exception. It is common sense to be aware of some major health concerns if you travel to Brazil for the first time. In the following, you will find some of the major health risks for your Brazil trip. Do be careful!AIDS: Exists in Brazil and every country in the world. The things to avoid are well known. The blood supply is not as safe as at home.Hepatitis A and B: Very common due to less than ideal food storage, handling and cooking.Malaria: Mostly in regions away from cities.High Altitude Sickness: Very common when you travel in Brazil just like any other mountainous area. Symptoms are temporary and go away as soon as the victim returns to a lower altitude.Rabies: Rabid dogs are a problem in most of the rural and semi-urban sites of Brazil. You, therefore, should remain aware of and away from non-domestic or freely roaming dogs in Brazil.Typhoid: Consider a vaccination for long stays and if you are an adventurous eater.
Numerous others exist, but not in abnormally high or epidemic proportions.

Be sure to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist before your trip to Brazil. Global Crossroad is not staffed by medical professionals. Also, if you plan to travel to rural areas of Brazil, you should be vaccinated for Yellow Fever and obtain pills to protect yourself against Malaria. If you intend to stay in cities, these are not required. If you plan to travel to rural areas of Brazil, it is generally recommended you get a Rabies vaccination.

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. Western and traditional Brazilian medicines are widely available in most urban areas in Brazil. In effect, your health insurance is crucial. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after covering medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medications, etc. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider but this is rare.

East or west, home is the best! There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill while in Brazil, don't panic. You can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels like Global Crossroad's in-country coordinator and your country’s embassy in Brazil. You are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy, keeping it on their person for easy access.

No! While you are in Brazil, food safety should be the major factor. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you are familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria, as well as some other diseases. In Brazil, poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors.

Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in case you need to use the public toilet.

Brazilian toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products, so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.

In some areas and restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In these cases, a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet for your used toilet paper.

Use hotel lobby toilets, as often as you can. These are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of the hotel that you are using.

Yellow Fever vaccinations may be required for entry into Brazil. Check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) before traveling. Furthermore, you should bring anti-Malarial medication with you, as Malaria is a common problem in South America. Global Crossroad STRONGLY suggests that volunteers follow the Center for Disease Control's travel advice (www.cdc.gov) or consult a travel doctor.

MONEY

Credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master, and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but a $2-4 USD surcharge is often applied for each transaction.

The official Brazilian currency is the Real. Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be cashed at various branches of the Bank of Brazil or Commercial Bank of Brazil. Current exchange rates can be found using our currency converter.

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside the major cities, facilities may be limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept US Dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaus) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

Carrying cash is not safe - therefore, do not carry a large surplus of cash with you.Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Reals. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Brazilian currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

The Brazilian mobile phone networks will usually allow many major cell phone providers to access their network, but you might want to check with your provider to see if you will be able to use your phone in Brazil
International Direct Dialing from Brazil is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels, and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee.. Internet cafes are available in most towns although they can sometimes be noisy, as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games.

Be more inclusive and show respect of the other cultures. Brazilian culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Brazilian people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners, so feel free to take part with them. You can go with other volunteers on outings or invite them along on an outing with you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Brazil is characterized by the extensive low-lying Amazon Rainforest in the north and a more open terrain of hills and low mountains to the south, which is home to most of the Brazilian population and its agricultural base.

Located mainly within the tropics, Brazil's climate has little seasonal variation. Southern Brazil, however, has a subtropical temperate weather, occasionally experiencing frost and snow in the higher regions. Precipitation is abundant in the humid Amazon Basin, but more arid landscapes are found as well, particularly in the northeast.
Source: www.wikipedia.org

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended, as well as cooler weather clothing for the evenings, like a light jacket and or a light sweater. A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or their personal travel advisors to verify this information.